Erectable tent

ABSTRACT

It is an object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive erectable tent having a simple structure in which the covering sheet can easily be removed from the structural framework assembly, and an airtight structure with respect to the surrounding atmosphere and ground surface can also easily be formed, in such a way that the air-tightness required for a hygienic gas treatment using a freshness-preserving gas or the like can easily be obtained.  
     The present invention provides an erectable tent in which a structural framework assembly  3  used to form a chamber space is formed in such a way that structural framework members  1  can be assembled or disassembled via couplings  2,  a bag-like inner lining sheet  9  is formed having a ceiling surface inner lining sheet  7  and peripheral surface inner lining sheets  8  that are applied as an inner lining to the inside surface of the structural framework assembly, this bag-like inner lining sheet is engageably and disengageably suspended via suspension fittings  10  from ceiling framework  4  of structural framework assembly  3,  the lower open surface of the bottom framework  5  of the structural framework assembly  3  is covered by a ground surface covering sheet  13,  the peripheral edge parts of this ground surface covering sheet  13  and the lower edge parts of peripheral surface inner lining sheets  8  are connected, and an entry/exit  14  that can be opened and closed is formed in [one of] peripheral surface inner lining sheets  8.

This non-provisional patent application claims priority to prior pendingJP Patent Application Number 2005-83895 filed on Mar. 23, 2005.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an erectable tent that is formed byinstalling a sheet on a structural framework assembly, which is used toform a chamber space, and which can be assembled and disassembled; inparticular an agricultural hygienic treatment tent which is used for thehygienic treatment of fresh fruits or fresh vegetables, a typicalexample of this tent being an erectable agricultural hygienic treatmenttent that is appropriately used in cases where fresh fruits or freshvegetables are treated with a freshness-preserving gas.

BACKGROUND

Citations 1 through 4 describe erectable tents having a structurerelating to the erectable tent of the present invention. All of thesetents have a structure in which a covering sheet such as a bag-likesheet or the like is installed as an outer lining on the outer surfaceof a structural framework assembly, or in which panels are built intothe interior portions of opening parts formed in such a structuralframework assembly.

Furthermore, these tents have structures in which the floor surface orground surface is directly exposed inside the inside the chamber (thetent), or in which an elevated floor is constructed using a floorframework.

Citation 1 Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Application No. 52-61735“Erectable Vinyl House”

Citation 2 Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Application No. 57-1543“Compact Hothouse”

Citation 3 Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Application No. 58-155958“Erectable Temperature-maintaining box”

Citation 4 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 2001-333648“Simple Hothouse”

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

However, in cases where a structure is used in which a covering sheet isinstalled as an outer lining on the outer surface of a structuralframework assembly used to form a chamber space, the following problemsare encountered: the covering sheet is quickly damaged in portions thatcontact corners or the like of the structural framework members;furthermore, the covering sheet is limited by the structural frameworkmembers that are situated inside, in such a way that a design thatconforms to the structural framework assembly is required, and such asheet is difficult to use in cases where the dimensions of thestructural framework assembly are large. Furthermore, other problemsalso arise: namely, the covering work and disassembly work involveconsiderable effort.

Especially in the case of hygienic treatment tents in which fresh fruitsor the like are subjected to a hygienic treatment using afreshness-preserving gas, air-tightness with respect to the surroundingatmosphere and ground surface is required; however, it is difficult (dueto structural considerations) for tents typified by Citations 1 through4 to suitably satisfy such a requirement for the preservation ofair-tightness with respect to the surrounding atmosphere and groundsurface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides an inexpensive erectable tent with asimple structure in which the covering sheet can easily be removed fromthe structural framework assembly, and an airtight structure withrespect to the surrounding atmosphere and ground surface can also easilybe formed, in such a way that the air-tightness required for a hygienicgas treatment using a freshness-preserving gas or the like can easily beobtained.

In short, a structure is used in which a structural framework assemblyused to form a chamber space is formed with the structural frameworkmembers able to be assembled or disassembled via couplings, a bag-likeinner lining sheet having a ceiling surface inner lining sheet andperipheral surface inner lining sheets is applied as an inner lining tothe inside surface of this structural framework assembly, and thisbag-like inner lining sheet is suspended via engageable anddisengageable suspension fittings from the ceiling framework of thestructural framework assembly.

Furthermore, the lower open surface of the bottom framework of thestructural framework assembly is covered by a ground surface coveringsheet, and the peripheral edge parts of this ground surface coveringsheet and the lower edge parts of the peripheral surface inner liningsheets are connected, in such a way that the entire body is formed intoa hollow sheet structure.

Moreover, an entry/exit that can be opened and closed is formed in oneof the peripheral surface inner lining sheets. For example, an openingis formed in one of the peripheral surface inner lining sheets, a doorframework that is assembled with the structural framework assembly(integrally and in a manner that allows assembly and disassembly), issituated in this opening, and the opening edges of this peripheralsurface inner lining sheet are caused to adhere tightly to this doorframework; e.g., the opening edges of the peripheral surface innerlining sheet are wrapped onto the door framework, or are caused toadhere tightly by being pushed in or the like, thus forming theentry/exit in which a door that can be opened and closed covers theopening surface of the door framework.

A transparent synthetic resin sheet; e.g., a transparent synthetic resinsheet reinforced by reinforcing filaments, is used as the bag-like innerlining sheet, in such a way that the interior of the chamber can beviewed through this sheet.

The peripheral edge of the ground covering sheet protrudes laterallyoutward from where the peripheral surface inner lining sheets are joinedand form a flange, the bottom framework of the structural frameworkassembly being carried on this flange, in such a way that the groundsurface covering sheet is secured, and in such a way that the bag-likeinner lining sheet is secured.

The erectable tent is ideal for use as an agricultural hygienictreatment tent, especially a hygienic treatment tent used in cases wherefresh fruits or fresh vegetables are subjected to a hygienic treatmentusing a hygienic treatment gas that is generated from afreshness-preserving chemical, bitterness-removing chemical, or thelike. In this case, supporting means such as a supporting shelf,suspension fittings, or the like, which supports a hygienic treatmentgas generating device, is situated on the ceiling framework of thestructural framework assembly.

In the erectable tent of the present invention, the bag-like innerlining sheet can be separated from the structural framework assembly anddropped onto the ground surface covering sheet merely by releasing thesuspension fittings of the bag-like inner lining sheet. Furthermore, achamber space can easily be formed merely by suspending the bag-likeinner lining sheet from the ceiling framework of the structuralframework assembly. Thus, the overall assembly and disassembly of thecovering sheet with respect to the structural framework assembly arefairly easy to perform.

The bag-like inner lining sheet that forms the covering sheet is notlimited by the structural framework assembly, and can easily handleconsiderable dimensional differences of the structural frameworkassembly.

Damage to the sheet by the structural framework assembly, which limitsthe inner surface of the covering sheet in conventional examples, iseliminated.

Moreover, good air-tightness with respect to the surrounding atmosphereand the ground surface is obtained as a result of the cooperative actionof the ground surface covering sheet that is spread on the ground andthe bag-like inner lining sheet, in such a way that an airtightstructure can easily be formed.

Fresh fruits or the like are introduced in the erectable tent, and thenconveyed from this tent, using the entry/exit (that can be opened andclosed) formed in the peripheral surface inner lining sheet. In thisentry/exit, the opening edges of the peripheral surface inner liningsheet are caused to adhere tightly to the door framework by beingwrapped or pushed into the door framework, in such a way that anairtight assembly can easily be obtained in the peripheral edges of theentry/exit.

A transparent synthetic resin sheet; e.g., a transparent synthetic resinsheet reinforced by reinforcing filaments, is used as the bag-like innerlining sheet, in such a way that the fresh fruits or the like inside thechamber can be viewed through this sheet.

Since the bottom framework of the structural framework assembly iscarried on a flange that protrudes from the peripheral edges of theground surface covering sheet, the ground surface covering sheet andbag-like inner lining sheet are secured; i.e., the covering sheet as awhole is secured, and loose play of the covering sheet is prevented.

The erectable tent is ideal for use as an agricultural hygienictreatment tent, and especially as a hygienic treatment tent used incases where fresh fruits or fresh vegetables are treated with afreshness-preserving chemical, bitterness-removing chemical, or thelike. In such cases, supporting means that supports a hygienic treatmentgas generating device used to generate a hygienic treatment gas from thechemicals is mounted on the ceiling framework of the structuralframework assembly, thus aiding in the diffusion of the hygienictreatment gas into the chamber space.

WORKING EXAMPLES

As was described above, the present invention provides an inexpensiveerectable tent having a simple structure, in which the covering sheetcan easily be removed from the structural framework assembly, and anairtight structure with respect to the surrounding atmosphere and groundsurface can also easily be formed, in such a way that the air-tightnessrequired in cases where a treatment is performed using a hygienictreatment gas generated from a freshness-preserving chemical or the likecan easily be obtained.

A concrete example of the erectable tent will be described below withreference to FIGS. 1 through 5.

The erectable tent is constructed by means of a structural frameworkassembly 3 used to form a chamber space, in which structural frameworkmembers 1 can be assembled and disassembled via couplings 2.

A structure in which the respective structural framework members 1 ofthis structure framework assembly 3 can be assembled or disassembled viacouplings 2 such as tubular couplings or the like is already known, asis indicated in the Citations 1 through 4, and such known structuresthat can be assembled and disassembled may be used in the presentinvention.

To describe a concrete example, a ceiling framework 4 is formed byarranging structural framework member 1 in a square shape, anddisassemblably connecting the respective structural framework members 1in the respective corner parts via couplings 2 such as three-way elbowsor similar tubular couplings.

Similarly, a bottom framework 5 is formed by arranging structuralframework members 1 in a square shape, and disassemblably connecting therespective structural framework members 1 in the respective corner partsvia couplings 2 such as three-way elbows or similar tubular couplings.

The ceiling framework 4 and bottom framework 5 are connected bystructural framework members 1 that constitute supporting columns, andthe upper and lower ends of these supporting column structural members 1are connected by being inserted into one tubular coupling of the tubularcouplings 2 such as three-way elbows, thus assembling the structuralframework assembly 3 in a manner that allows disassembly.

Furthermore, reinforcing framework members 6 that cross in the centralpart of the ceiling framework 4 are disassemblably connected into acruciform shape via a tubular coupling 2 such as a four-way elbow, andthe end parts of the respective reinforcing framework members 6 aredisassemblably connected via C-shaped tubular couplings 2 to therespective structural framework members 1 that constitute ceilingframework 4.

Structural framework members 1 of ceiling framework 4 and bottomframework 5, and the supporting columns, are disassemblably connectedvia couplings 2 by reinforcing framework members 6 that form diagonalbracing.

Meanwhile, a bag-like inner lining sheet 9 having a ceiling surfaceinner lining sheet 7 and peripheral surface inner lining sheets 8 isformed, this bag-like inner lining sheet 9 is installed as an innerlining on the ceiling surface and side surfaces of structural frameworkassembly 3, and bag-like inner lining sheet 9 is suspended viadetachable suspension fittings 10 from structural framework members 1that form ceiling framework 4 of structural framework assembly 3.

A transparent synthetic resin sheet; e.g., a transparent synthetic resinsheet reinforced by reinforcing filaments, is used as the bag-like innerlining sheet, in such a way that the interior of the chamber; i.e., thecontents inside the chamber, can be viewed through this sheet, andsunlight can pass through the sheet.

Furthermore, the lower opening surface of bottom framework 5 ofstructural framework assembly 3 is covered by a ground surface coveringsheet 13 that is spread on the ground surface, and the peripheral edgeparts of this ground surface covering sheet 13 and the lower edge partsof peripheral surface inner lining sheets 8 are joined by bonding,high-frequency sealing-induced fusion, or the like, in such a way thatthe covering sheet as a whole is formed into a hollow sheet [structure].

Clips, surface fastener belts, suspension rings, or the like can be usedas suspension fittings 10. For example, suspension fittings 10consisting of clips or surface fastener belts are attached in advance tostructural framework members 1 that form ceiling framework 4, or to theperipheral edge portions of ceiling surface inner lining sheet 7 ofbag-like inner lining sheet 9.

Alternatively, suspension rings through which structural frameworkmembers 1 are passed are attached in advance to the peripheral edgeportions of ceiling surface inner lining sheet 7 of bag-like innerlining sheet 9.

To describe a concrete example in detail, pads 11 are pasted to theouter surfaces of the corners formed by the peripheral edge portions ofceiling surface inner lining sheet 7 and the upper edge portions of theperipheral surface inner lining sheets 8 of bag-like inner lining sheet9, and surface fastener belts 12 are provided which protrude to theoutside from these corners, and which are supported by pads 11. Thesesurface fastener belts 12 are wrapped around and engaged with structuralframework members 1 that form ceiling framework 4, thus causing bag-likeinner lining sheet 9 and ground surface covering sheet 13 to besuspended from these structural framework members in a detachablemanner.

Alternatively, suspension fittings such as hooks or the like are causedto protrude from the corners formed by the peripheral edge portions ofceiling surface inner lining sheet 7 of bag-like inner lining sheet 9and the upper edge portions of peripheral surface inner lining sheets 8,and these suspension fittings 10 are hooked onto structural frameworkmembers 1 that form ceiling framework 4, in such a way that bag-likeinner lining sheet 9 and ground surface covering sheet 13 are detachablysuspended from these structural framework members 1.

A tightly closed entry/exit 14 is openably and closeably provided to oneof the peripheral surface inner lining sheets 8. For example, an opening15 is formed in one of peripheral surface inner lining sheets 8 formingthe bag-like inner lining sheet 9 or hollow sheet structure, a doorframework 16 that is assembled with structural framework assembly 3(integrally and in a manner that allows assembly and disassembly) viatubular couplings 2 is disposed in this opening 15, and the openingedges of this peripheral surface inner lining sheet 8 is caused toadhere tightly to this door framework 16.

For example, the opening edges of peripheral surface inner lining sheet8 are caused to adhere tightly to door framework 16 by being wrappedonto door framework 16, or being pushed into door framework 16, andentry/exit 14 is formed by installing a door 14 a that can be opened andclosed, and that covers the open surface of this door framework 16.

In a concrete example, door framework 16 is formed by an inside doorframework 16 a having an outward-facing C-shaped channel and an outsidedoor framework 16 b having an outward-facing C-shaped channel, outsidedoor framework 16 b is integrally attached to the inner rim of door 14a, a packing material 18 a is situated between the two door frameworks16 a and 16 b, and both door frameworks 16 a and 16 b are clamped byclips 17 in the peripheral edge parts of door 14 a, in such a way thatair-tightness is achieved between the two door frameworks 16 a and 16 b.

In door 14 a, one side of outside door framework 16 b in a longitudinaldirection can be connected to one side of inside door framework 16 a ina longitudinal direction via a hinge, in such a way that one-sidedopening is possible.

Furthermore, the opening edges of peripheral surface inner lining sheet8 that form entry/exit 14 are wrapped onto the channel groove of insidedoor framework 16 a with a packing material 18 b interposedtherebetween; i.e., the opening edges of peripheral surface inner liningsheet 8 are wrapped onto packing material 18 b, and this is pushed ontothe channel groove of inside door framework 16 a, in such a way that theopening edges of the same sheet 8 are caused to adhere tightly to thesame door framework 16 a, thus achieving air-tightness.

The peripheral edges of ground surface covering sheet 13 are caused toprotrude outward from the joint parts of this sheet 13 and the loweredges of peripheral surface inner lining sheets 8 to form a flange 19,and bottom framework 5 of structural framework assembly 3 is carried onthis flange 19, in such a way that ground surface covering sheet 13 issecured, and the bag-like inner lining sheet 9 is secured. Accordingly,the covering sheet as a whole is secured, with loose play beingprevented.

The erectable tent is ideal for use as an agricultural hygienictreatment tent, in particular a hygienic treatment tent used when freshfruits or fresh vegetables are subjected to a hygienic treatment using ahygienic treatment gas that is generated from a freshness-preservingchemical, bitterness-removing chemical, or the like. In such instances,supporting means such as a supporting shelf 20, or the like, whichsupports a hygienic treatment gas generating device that is used togenerate a hygienic treatment gas from the chemicals, is mounted onceiling framework 4 of structural framework assembly 3. Preferably,supporting shelf 20 or other supporting means is mounted on the centralcrossing part of the central reinforcing framework members of ceilingframework 4.

In the erectable tent, bag-like inner lining sheet 9 can be separatedfrom the structural framework assembly 3 and caused to drop onto groundsurface covering sheet 13 merely by releasing suspension fittings 10 ofbag-like inner lining sheet 9.

A chamber space can be formed merely by suspending bag-like inner liningsheet 9 from ceiling framework 4. Accordingly, overall, the assembly anddisassembly of the covering sheet with respect to structural frameworkassembly 3 is very easily performed.

Bag-like inner lining sheet 9 is not limited by structural frameworkassembly 3; considerable dimensional differences in structural frameworkassembly 3 can also be handled. Moreover, damage to the covering sheetcaused by structural framework assembly 3 can be effectively eliminated.

A structure which achieves air-tightness with respect to the surroundingatmosphere and ground surface can easily be achieved by the cooperativeaction of ground surface covering sheet 13 that is spread on the groundsurface, and bag-like inner lining sheet 9 that is joined to this groundsurface covering sheet 13.

Fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, or the like are easily placed inside theerectable tent and conveyed therefrom using the openable and closableentry/exit 14 formed in peripheral surface inner lining sheet 8. In thisentry/exit 14, the opening edges of peripheral surface inner liningsheet 8 are caused to adhere tightly to door framework 16 by beingwrapped or pushed onto door framework 16, in such a way that an airtightassembly can easily be obtained in the peripheral edges of theentry/exit 14.

Since bottom framework 5 of structural framework assembly 3 is carriedon a flange 19 that protrudes from the peripheral edges of groundsurface covering sheet 13, the covering sheet as a whole is secured, insuch a way that loose play of bag-like inner lining sheet 9 and groundsurface covering sheet 13 is prevented.

Supporting shelf 20 for the hygienic treatment gas generating deviceattached to ceiling framework 4 of structural framework assembly 3 ofthe erectable tent provides a convenient arrangement of the hygienictreatment gas generating device, and the hygienic treatment gas has morewidespread diffusion into the chamber space from the ceiling, in such away that hygienic treatment can be performed effectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the structural framework assembly thatforms the erectable t

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the bag-like innerlining sheet is suspended from the structural framework assembly, andthe ground covering sheet is installed.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the same.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of essential parts showing a state in whichthe bag-like inner lining sheet is engageably and disengageablysuspended from the ceiling framework of the structural frameworkassembly by means of a surface fastener belt.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the entry/exitof the erectable tent is formed by a door.

Key to Symbols

-   1: Structural framework member-   2: Coupling-   3: Structural framework assembly-   4: Ceiling framework-   5: Bottom framework-   6: Reinforcing framework-   7: Ceiling surface inner lining sheet-   8: Peripheral surface inner lining sheet-   9: Bag-like inner lining sheet-   10: Suspension fitting-   11: Pad-   12: Surface fastener belt-   13: Ground surface covering sheet-   14: Entry/exit-   14 a: Door-   15: Opening-   16: Door framework-   16 a: Inside door framework-   16 b: Outside door framework-   17: Clip-   18 a, 18 b: Packing materials-   19: Flange-   20: Supporting shelf

1. An erectable tent characterized in that a structural frameworkassembly used to form a chamber space is formed in such a way that thestructural framework can be assembled or disassembled via couplings; aninner lining sheet in the form of a bag is formed having a ceilingsurface inner lining sheet and peripheral surface inner lining sheets,which are applied as an inner lining to an inside surface of thestructural framework assembly; the bag-like inner lining sheet issuspended via engageable and disengageable suspension fittings from theceiling framework of the structural framework assembly; a lower opensurface of a bottom framework of the structural framework assembly iscovered by a ground surface covering sheet; a peripheral edge part ofthe ground surface covering sheet and a lower edge part of theperipheral surface inner lining sheets are connected; and an entry/exitthat can be opened and closed is formed in one of the peripheral surfaceinner lining sheets.
 2. The erectable tent according to claim 1,characterized in that the bag-like inner lining sheet is made of atransparent synthetic resin sheet.
 3. The erectable tent according toclaim 1, characterized in that a peripheral edge of the ground coveringsheet protrudes laterally outward from where the peripheral surfaceinner lining sheets are joined and forms a flange, the bottom frameworkof the structural framework assembly being carried on this flange. 4.The erectable tent according to claim 1, characterized in thatsupporting means for supporting a hygienic gas generating device that isused to subject fresh fruits or fresh vegetables to a hygienic treatmentis installed on the ceiling framework of the structural frameworkassembly.
 5. The erectable tent according to claim 1, characterized inthat an opening is provided to one of the peripheral surface innerlining sheets that form the bag-like inner lining sheet; a doorframework that is integrally fastened to the structural frameworkassembly is situated in the opening; edges of the opening of theperipheral surface inner lining sheet are caused to adhere tightly tothe door framework; and the entry/exit is formed by installing a doorthat can be opened and closed, and that covers the open surface of thedoor framework.